USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Luka Doncic has been in excellent form this season. The 21-year-old is making a case for himself to win the first MVP of his career. But despite his excellent form, the Mavericks haven’t been able to back their superstar.
As a result, the team is out of the playoff race and one game below the .500 record. In their next game, they will face off against the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are not only a top Eastern Conference team, but one of the favorites to win the 2020-21 NBA Championship.
Luka Doncic needs to bring his A-game to the table if he and the Mavs want to have a shot at defeating the Eastern juggernauts.
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Steve Nash praises Mavericks’ Luka Doncic
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 4, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
With the game taking place tonight, Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash had nothing but praise for Luka. Nash said:
“Luka is one of the most exciting talents we’ve seen. Do I see some of myself in him? If I were 6-8 and 230 pounds, yeah. That’s a big difference when you’re 6-2, 175 pounds.”
Steve Nash on Luka Doncic: "Luka is one of the most exciting talent's we've seen. Do I see some of my myself in him? If I were 6-8 and 230 pounds, yeah. That's a big difference when you're 6-2, 175 pounds."
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) February 26, 2021
During his playing time, Nash was an excellent player. Apart from winning an NBA Championship, Nash achieved everything a player could ask for. Although Luka might go down the same path in his career, the two stars have a completely different playing style.
Nash relied on his incredible passing and facilitator skills to impact the game. Luka has developed all aspects of his game, and it must be a joy for a coach to have such an exciting talent.
Can the Mavericks still make it to the NBA Playoffs?
With the All-Star break coming soon, it will mark half of the season being over. As of now, Dallas is out of the playoff race, but they are not far behind. If they can go on a decent winning streak, they should be able to clinch a playoff berth.
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But it all comes down to how well they perform in the postseason. Other players on the roster need to step up and take off some burden from Luka. If the team can achieve that, they should have a good playoff run.
What are your expectations from Luka Doncic and the Mavericks? Feel free to express your views in the comments section below.
